Richard Andrew David Pugh

Findings — machine-extracted (anthropic-batch:claude-opus-4-8); verify against the decision

Richard Andrew David Pugh, a solicitor at Ashok Patel and Co, was found to have lied to a client (Mr L) about the progress and settlement of his negligence claim, including creating a bogus court order, and to have conducted three conveyancing transactions involving an estate agent (Mr McV) in a manner that perpetrated fraud on institutional lenders. He also drew client account monies improperly, borrowed £26,000 from clients without ensuring independent advice, failed to follow instructions, and delayed in registrations. The Tribunal made express findings of dishonesty on allegations (a), (b) and (c). He was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay £11,000 costs.

Duties found breached:

• Proper basis for allegations
• Not mislead third parties or opponents
• No conflict between current clients
• No improper use of client money

Aggravating factors:

• Experienced solicitor at the time of the misconduct
• Previous appearance before the Tribunal on 5th October 1995 (conflict of interest, breach of Rule 1) resulting in a £3,500 fine
• Borrowing from clients suggested he was in financial difficulties; one loan used to pay an income tax bill

Mitigating factors:

• Admitted the facts and all allegations save dishonesty
• Expressed remorse and apologised
• Cited health problems and family circumstances
• Accepted he should not be allowed to practise as a solicitor again